Garden Route flamingos' flight path made safer

In a first for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT*), overhead warning lights (Owl) devices have been placed on a municipal power line running alongside the N2 bridge across the Swartvlei lagoon to protect flamingos.

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These Owl devices are a type of bird flight diverter designed to make power lines far more visible to birds in flight, especially in low light or poor weather conditions.

Installed at regular intervals along overhead power lines, the devices reflect light and create visual movement, helping birds recognise the presence of the line in time to avoid it.

This is particularly important for large, heavy birds such as flamingos, which have limited manoeuvrability and are highly vulnerable to collisions.

The installation of these devices is the realisation of a 15-year dream by BirdLife SA's Lakes Bird Club's members in the Garden Route to make power lines safe for flamingos in the wetland system.

The Swartvlei lagoon is not only a Ramsar site, but also part of the Garden Route Biosphere.